• Loading stock data...
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!
Law

Swimmers Settle Bulk of Suit Against World Aquatics Over New League

The swimmers, represented by Jeff Kessler, said that World Aquatics had blocked the International Swimming League from launching.

Katinka Hosszu
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Network

Professional swimmers Thomas Shields and Katinka Hosszú reached a settlement ending their claims against World Aquatics, the global governing body for the sport, for orchestrating an alleged boycott of the upstart International Swimming League. The antitrust trial for prohibiting swimmers for events not sanctioned by World Aquatics is still set for January 2026.

In a five-page status report filed to the Northern District of California on Wednesday, the swimmers had a mediation session in June and are working on finalizing the agreement.

Jeff Kessler, the sports antitrust lawyer who recently secured a multibillion-dollar settlement from the NCAA, is representing the swimmers.

“We are very pleased to have achieved a very favorable settlement for the class of swimmers,” he told Front Office Sports and other outlets in a statement. He said the settlement “will provide both past damages and future injunctive relief to prevent World Aquatics from having rules to interfere with the ability of the swimmers or national federations to participate in swimming events not sanctioned by World Aquatics… World Aquatics has new leadership and they did the right thing in agreeing to a new path that will benefit swimmers, the national federations and  the many fans of  the sport.“

In a separate status report filed Wednesday, the ISL said it will prepare the case scheduling at a conference next week. 

The original lawsuit filed in 2018 alleged that FINA, now World Aquatics, violated antitrust laws by preventing swimmers from competing in events not sanctioned by the organization. FINA is accused of threatening to suspend swimmers which could prevent them from participating in the Olympics and World Championship.

In the suit, it alleges the 2018 Energy for Swim meet in Turin, Italy, was cancelled due to the rules set in place by FINA. The rules were changed in 2019 after the suit was filed, and the swimmers claim they were denied at least $3.3 million in appearance fees and prize money across cancelled events.

The ISL has been in hiatus since 2022, due to the Russia-Ukraine war trapping millions in funding from an investor. It’s also been entrenched in other lawsuits as well, suing its own former lawyer for more than $7 million on account professional negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of implied contract, and unfair business practices case against World Aquatics.

Despite a U.S. judge ruling in favor of World Aquatics in 2023, the case was brought back in September by the Ninth Circuit saying that World Aquatics’ actions warranted an organized boycott.

The case management conference is scheduled for next Wednesday.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Megan Romano

The $800 Million Enhanced Games Lawsuit Could Have Legs

Antitrust experts say the case could have some merit.
Rob Bonta

Users Sue Daily Fantasy Companies After California Calls Them Illegal

Underdog Sports and Boom Fantasy were separately sued.
Michael Jordan

Texts From Michael Jordan, NASCAR Bosses Aired Out in Court: ‘I Have..

Jordan said he plans on “going down with fire” against NASCAR.

Featured Today

Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
Blue Jays
exclusive

MLBPA, DraftKings Agree to Settle NIL Suit

MLBPA said DraftKings and other sportsbooks improperly used players’ NIL.
Feb 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue scratches his head after calling a time out as forward Kawhi Leonard (2) walks past in the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
September 4, 2025

Kawhi Leonard’s Alleged ‘No Show’ Job Is Latest in Complex Clippers Relationship

Leonard’s high-profile 2019 recruitment continues to generate headlines years later.
Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway.
September 4, 2025

Jordan Can’t Bar Charter Sales Because NASCAR Agreed Not to Sell Charters

The contentious antitrust suit is slated to go to trial this December.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
Oct 15, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the Fox Sports Southwest logo during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Rockets 123-104.
September 3, 2025

Fox, Hairstylist Settle Bombshell Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Skip Bayless, Charlie Dixon, and Joy Taylor all denied claims of wrongdoing.
Barstool
August 29, 2025

Barstool Sues for Millions Over Failed Sponsorship Deal 

The media company says it was stiffed to the tune of $4.2 million.
Mar 12, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks with translator Ippei Mizuhara in the dugout against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training baseball game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.
August 29, 2025

Bookie Believes Shohei Ohtani ‘Was Aware’ of Interpreter’s Gambling

Mathew Bowyer ran the illegal gambling business used by interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
Mat Ishbia
August 27, 2025

Suns, Mat Ishbia Sued by Minority Owners Looking to Open Books

The limited partners have been seeking a buyout from Ishbia.